Angry, red-winged blackbirds of death resume their seasonal attacks on Toronto denizens

National Post

10-06-2025

New to the city, I'd heard whispers of Toronto's angry birds. I'd even mocked signage on the waterfront warning me to beware their avian wrath.
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Now, in a plot twist one might expect from Edgar Allen Poe, one of the winged devils has set itself up in a tree outside my West-end condominium.
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'It appears to be protecting its nest and has been observed attacking pedestrians who walk nearby. We advise all residents to exercise caution when walking in the area. Please see the attached photo for reference.'
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I scrolled down my email and locked eyes with the creature that has been described as 'feathered and a tiny bit ferocious' — the notorious red-winged blackbird.
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Attacks by this creature are, by no means, a new or rare phenomenon, I've come to learn since moving to this city, which has fielded complaints about 'attacks' the last two years. Though most likely go unreported.
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Fearful of nothing, these winged demons have been known to attack large animals, including horses, and, as we know too well, poor, unsuspecting Torontonians just going about their business.
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Dive-bombing, red-winged blackbirds are recognizable by their red and yellow ' shoulder badges, ' reminiscent of military stripes. But even this description may not keep you safe, as you'll never see them coming. These ferocious harpies are known to swoop out of trees, attacking passersby from behind, striking at their scalps with their talons or beaks.
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Attacks begin in the spring, when the winged polygynous devils begin to multiply.
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The species typically starts nesting and incubating its eggs in early June, Nancy Barrett, director-at-large of the Toronto Ornithological Club, well-versed in these flying agents of Cthulhu, told Global News last year at this time. But Torontonians should expect attacks anytime during their mating season, which lasts from late April until the end of July.
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It's at this time when the highly polygynous males enjoy the company of up to 15 female mates, described as brownish in colour and more subdued.
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Despite their vicious territorial defence system, 'one-quarter to one-half of nestlings turn out to have been sired by someone other than the territorial male.' Perhaps this explains the males' aggressive nature.
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I try to empathize with the creature outside my building, telling myself, I'd be frantic and aggressive, too, if I had to fly around and defend 15 nests. The poor fellas are simply exhausted. Perhaps I could reason with the beast, explaining the benefits of monogamy.